Judge Angela McCormick Bisig denied shock probation for a man who was sentenced last year to 55 years in prison.

Steven Pettway was convicted of shooting and killing Troya Sheckles before she could testify in a murder trial.

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Pettway's attorneys asked Bisig for shock probation, meaning instead of serving 55 years behind bars, the maximum for his conviction, he'd be released under supervision.

His defense attorneys said it was awkward to be in court asking for shock probation when the case is on appeal and that Pettway maintains his innocence. His attorneys said it's also awkward to be asking for shock probation on a murder case.

But his attorneys said they have watched Pettway grow up and, while the charge is serious, he was 16 at the time.

The defense attorney said it's also important to understand his life at the time of the crime -- his mother had mental problems.

The commonwealth objected to the request, saying Pettway ran through a park with a gun and executed Sheckles in front of children.

The commonwealth said it was a deliberate choice to kill a woman who was going to be a witness.

The prosecutor said probation would unduly depreciate the killing of a witness.

Bisig agreed and denied shock probation, saying it was inappropriate given the crime.